12/05/2025
Army Arrests 12 Suspected Terrorists in Kwara State
The Nigerian Army has apprehended 12 individuals suspected of terrorism linked to Mahmuda, a breakaway faction of the Boko Haram insurgents, reportedly occupying parts of Kanji Lake National Park.
Prior to their arrest, the group had allegedly terrorized, exploited, and harmed residents in communities bordering the park, specifically within Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara State, and Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Major General Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, disclosed the arrests during a visit on Saturday to military camps in the Kaiama and Baruten areas. His visit aimed to assess the well-being of the troops and receive updates on ongoing operations.
According to the GOC, the arrests followed a series of military raids targeting Kanji Lake National Park and its surrounding communities. Among those detained, two were confirmed members of the armed group, while the others are believed to have acted as accomplices.
“The counterinsurgency operation, code-named Park Strike Four, is designed to flush out bandits and eliminate criminal activities within Kanji Lake National Park,” General Onubogu stated.
He emphasized that troops have been relentless in their efforts to restore security in the area, revealing that they have combed at least 90 kilometers from Kemanji into the forest, establishing a firm operational base.
General Onubogu, expressing satisfaction with the operation’s progress, noted that the bandits and other criminal elements had been successfully dislodged. He further boosted troop morale by meeting with local leaders, including the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, and the Head of the Kemanji Community, Shao’ki Aliyu Siki-Muhammed.
It is worth recalling that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, had earlier given a one-month deadline to clear the park and surrounding communities of bandits. In response, the 2 Division deployed extensive troops across the Kwara and Niger State borders and into Kanji Lake Forest to neutralize the threats.